Our promise

We listen. Our staff members are as much a part of our asset base as our investments. From serving on community panels, to board membership, to site visits, our staff is there on the ground, yet can also see the big picture. With a broader view we celebrate the bright spots and help identify the gaps. Neighbor to neighbor engagement enables us to learn and to share our knowledge in turn.

Cali Brooks, President & CEO

Lake Placid, NY

After working with nonprofit organizations in Southeast Asia, Central America and the United States, Cali returned to the Adirondacks on the staff of the HKH Foundation where she conducted a survey to assess the economic, social, cultural and environmental strengths of the Adirondack region. She then joined the Public Affairs office of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and co-founded the Wildlife Conservation Society's Adirondack Communities and Conservation Program. She has a BA from the Evergreen State College and master's degree from The School for International Training. Email: cali@adkfoundation.org.

Melissa Eisinger, Vice President

Keene, NY

Melissa has more than three decades’ experience in donor relations and administration in the nonprofit realm. Prior to joining Adirondack Foundation, she was with the Adirondack Chapter of the Nature Conservancy and Adirondack Land Trust for 20 years and before that Nightingale-Bamford School, Choate-Rosemary Hall and Emma Willard School. She serves on the board of the Bruce L. Crary Foundation and the Northern Forest Atlas Foundation. Email: mel@adkfoundation.org

Russ Cronin, Chief Financial Officer

Tupper Lake, NY

After more than 35 years in banking primarily focused on treasury, corporate finance, and investment management, Russ returned to the Adirondacks and worked as the CFO for St. Joseph's Addiction Treatment and Recovery Centers. Russ earned his BA in Accountancy from Virginia Commonwealth University. He is a Trustee and Treasurer of the Adirondack Health Foundation Board, a Board Member of the Healthy Heart Network and ARISE of Northern NY, and sits on the Adirondack Health Ethics Committee. Email: russ@adkfoundation.org

Andrea Grout, Program Officer

Lake Placid, NY

Andrea's passion for the Adirondack region, the arts, volunteerism and her many years of experience with nonprofits bring a unique perspective to the community foundation. Just before joining ACT, Andrea worked at the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake in the Marketing & Membership Departments, then as Special Events Coordinator. Previously, Andrea has also worked as a floral designer, wedding planner and as an art educator. She volunteers for many community organizations including Lake Placid Elementary School FRIENDS, Lake Placid Village Clean Up and many others. Andrea has a BFA from State University of New York at Plattsburgh. Email: andrea@adkfoundation.org

Chris Morris, Communications Officer

Saranac Lake, NY

Chris oversees marketing, advertising, and public relations, as well as management of Adirondack Gives, our crowdfunding website for community organizations, nonprofits, classrooms, and charities. He also coordinates the Youth Exchange program for the Adirondack Diversity Advisory Council, and the Emerging Leaders program of the Adirondack Nonprofit Network. Before joining the nonprofit sector, he worked as a journalist, covering community news in the North Country for North Country Public Radio, the Adirondack Daily Enterprise, and several other media outlets. As a volunteer, he serves on the boards of Dewey Mountain Recreation Center in Saranac Lake, and Albany's Youth Ed-Venture & Nature Network. Email: chris@adkfoundation.org